Evvie stroked her sister’s hair. “Wise and shine, Pay-wee.”
Jesus. The cuteness was killing him.
Hailey’s hand went to her heart. “They did a really good job with these girls.”
Finally, Paisley stirred and swiped the hair out of her eyes.
“Oh, wise and shine, and sing out your gory gory, wise and shine—”
“And sing out your glory glory.” Hailey joined in. “Rise and shine and—” She clapped her hands. “Sing out your glory glory.”
Paisley rolled onto her back, narrowing her eyes at the two singers. But when Evvie peered solemnly at her and said, “Gots to get going, Pay-wee,” the older sister threw back the covers, stretched, and yawned.
“Okay, girls, what’re we having for breakfast?” Hailey asked.
“Faffles.” Evvie answered for both.
“I’ll get ‘em in the toaster.” He started to go, but Paisley lifted her arms in his direction. It jarred him, the way they felt so comfortable with him. Why weren’t they looking at Hailey for comfort and safety?
You’re backing the wrong horse, girls.
Hailey grinned like it was adorable. “I got it.” She started out of the room.
“Well, wait,” he said. “What do I do with her?”
“You act like there were secret rituals in the Leeson family. Just do the same stuff you did before school. Take her to the bathroom, wash her face, brush her teeth and hair, and get her dressed.”
Right. Sure. He thought back to his childhood, how he’d awakened to the smell of bacon or pancakes. He’d gotten himself up and dressed, brushed his teeth. His nanny had breakfast waiting and lunch packed. She’d never walked him to the bus, and he’d hated that. So, he’d definitely go with Paisley.
When he picked her up, she collapsed against him. Literally draped herself over him, her cheek resting on his shoulder. One hand absentmindedly patted his biceps.Christ. This kid. So trusting. Even though he should get moving, he held her for a minute. Kind of rocked a little, though he didn’t know why. She wasn’t a baby. And then…
She sighed in utter contentment.
What choice did he have but to hold her and give her what she seemed to need? This was Darren’s little girl, and he wouldn’t let his friend down. Only when she finally lifted her head did he carry her into the bathroom and set her on her feet. “I’ll wait out here while you do your business.”
But she stood there, swaying slightly, her gaze unfocused. This girl was genuinely out of it. So, he lifted her nightgown and set her on the toilet. While she did her business, he brushed her tangled hair. Immediately, he could see he’d made a terrible mistake. Her springy blonde curls turned into clouds of frizz.
Oops. Shit.
Well, thank goodness she’s only six.
She probably wouldn’t notice. “Let me grab your clothes.” He rummaged through her black trash bag until he found underpants, jeans, a long-sleeved shirt, socks, and a hoodie. Then, he went back to the bathroom to find her staring at herself, tears glistening on her cheeks.
“What’s wrong?” But of course, he already knew.
“I can’t go to school like this.”
“I’m sorry. I messed up.” He didn’t know what to do about it.
“You only brush my hair after I wash it.” She sounded betrayed.
He crouched beside her. “Hey, I’m really sorry. I didn’t know that. But I do now, so it won’t happen again.” He caught a teardrop on the tip of his finger. “Tell me how I can make it right?”
“Breakfast, you guys,” Hailey called from downstairs.
“Coming,” he shouted back. Checking his watch, he saw the bus would arrive in fifteen minutes. She needed to eat, then brush her teeth. “Tell me how to fix it.”
Her bottom lip trembled, and he felt like shit.